The Current Sentiment of the Irish Towards Their Island’s Unification: A Lingering Disillusion

During the present day, the Irish view their island's unification with a varied spectrum of emotions. While some exhibit frustration, others show anger or sadness, feeling a sense of betrayal. However, for a significant portion, the prevailing sentiment leans towards ennui or indifference. This article delves into the historical context, sentiments, and current attitudes towards the unification of Ireland, exploring the reasons behind these feelings and examining why a definitive reaction has not materialized.

A Historical Timeline and Its Impact

I was born in Strabane, Co. Tyrone, and grew up steeped in the narratives of a united Ireland from my parents and the historical curriculum. Moving home, I witnessed the nascent civil rights movement from afar, while still being influenced by the broader revolutionary zeitgeist inspired by Martin Luther King, the Paris student movement, and the collective desire for liberation from oppression. The influx of refugees from Derry and Belfast, driven out of their homes, also made a profound impact. On holidays with relatives in Derry and Buncrana, I observed growing anger and frustration, as people clung to their existence through a mindset that ignored the possibility of change.

The Unionist Perspective and Misunderstandings

Notably, Douglas Thompson highlights that the underlying premise of the question regarding the unification is peculiarly flawed. In his view, the Northern Irish state was constructed on a foundation of discrimination, relying on tools such as gerrymandering and prejudice to maintain its relevance and unity. The Unionists, instead of addressing the substantial grievances of the civil rights movement—such as housing, employment, and gerrymandering—chose to resort to more oppressive measures, including burning people out of their homes. The introduction of internment and the use of force further alienated the population. The events of Bloody Sunday and the aftermath were deeply felt, with a student march leading to the destruction of the British embassy. However, this intensity of emotions soon dissipated as Ireland joined the EEC and the oil crisis brought its own set of challenges.

The early 1970s in Dublin was a period of interesting contrasts, with Northern Irish students wearing bomber jackets, Doc Martens, and baggy Wranglers. The atmosphere of the late 1960s, marked by the Bloody Sunday massacre and its immediate aftermath, did evoke a seething anger. Yet, as Ireland joined the EEC, the economic challenges and changes in Irish politics contributed to a more apathetic approach to the ongoing conflict in the North. However, the indifference of compatriots towards the pain and struggle less than 200 miles away was disconcerting.

Economic and Political Shifts

The 1980s brought significant changes, including the rise in property prices, inflation, and subsequent economic recessions. Constant governmental changes also contributed to a sense of instability. By this time, the violence in Northern Ireland had escalated, with events such as the H Blocks, Long Kesh, and the hunger strikes becoming the norm. The economic policies of Margaret Thatcher, particularly her efforts to reinvigorate the coal mines and unions, mirrored the repression in Northern Ireland. As the 1990s approached, the seeds of peace began to take root, and the Celtic Tiger phenomenon in the south brought about a significant economic boom.

Dublin basked in the reflected glory of the Celtic Tiger era, but it was a period marred by excess and a feeling of greed. Despite the euphoria, a lingering sense of disillusionment pervaded the Irish community, reflecting on the earlier days of struggle and the broader issues of unification. This article delves into the historical, economic, and social factors that contribute to the current sentiment of the Irish towards their island's unification.

Keywords: Irish unification, Northern Irish state, civil rights movement, Bloody Sunday